Dear Hitesh
Try getting return chopper tickets of near about 1 pm. You will have ample of time then to have peaceful darshan.
I think there will be huge rush at 9 am at VIP gate too, because during the 2 hours break for morning Aarti and Bhajans (may be 1.5 hours, I forget exact time taken for Aarti and bhajan), huge crowd of yatris wait at all the gates for Darshan. But still I don't think you will have much problem if you have VIP gate entry.
Also if you are planning to start the yatra at around 6am then do not forget to get your Yatra Parchi (Yatra Slip) the day before from the counter at Katra. Because the yatra slip counter opens at 6 am in the morning itself. And at that time huge rush accumulates at counters. If you are planning for yatra on 19th morning, then have your yatra parchi on 18th night itself. I forget the validity of that yatra parchi (yatra slip). I think it is valid for 6 or 8 hours after you get your slip. Means you have to cross Banganga within the specified time period mentioned on the slip, otherwise the yatra slip will not be treated as valid.
You will see lots of modernisation on the way to bhawan. Even outlets like Cafe Coffee De are now available inbetween the yatra.
Bus yoon samajh lo Hitesh Bhai, ke apke iss thread mein jo jo maine likha hai, woh saath saath visualise karke.....from Yatra Slip Counter to Banganga to Himkoti to Sanjhichat to Bhavan......poori yatra kar li maine aur darshan bhi kar liye.
By the way, I'm also planning for the yatra in April (next month).
Jai Mata Di.